Ground coffee distribution method, apparatus, and system

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatus, and system to distribute or compact coffee grounds, such as to form a puck in a portafilter. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to compact coffee grounds wherein a resulting puck of coffee grounds in the portafilter has an even level, a uniform and or continuous density distribution, results in no or reduced formation of channels, no or reduced squirting of extracted coffee, and results in consistent and repeatable results. The methods, apparatus, and system may be used to form multiple layers in a puck, for use in preparing layered espresso.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system tocompact ground coffee prior to brewing.

BACKGROUND

Espresso is a coffee brewing method of Italian origin. When makingespresso, a barista or other person who prepares espresso (hereinafter,“barista”), forces hot water, under pressure, through finely groundcompacted coffee (“coffee grounds”). When coffee beans are ground toproduce coffee grounds, there is commonly a range of size of the coffeegrounds, e,g. some of the coffee grounds may be pulverized, or “finelyground”, and resemble a dust, wherein individual of the coffee groundsare not visible to the unaided eye, whereas other of the coffee groundsmay be relatively course, “course grind”, and visible to the unaidedeye.

When espresso is prepared, coffee grounds are often put into and held ina portafilter or “group handle” (herein, “portafilter” and “grouphandle” are synonymous). The portafilter may be a basket, open at itstop, sized to hold coffee grounds for one or two or more servings or“shots” of espresso, and which has a perforated bottom. The perforatedbottom acts as a filter, to prevent the larger coffee grounds frompassing through into a shot. The portafilter may comprise no spouts(e.g. a “bottomless portafilter”), one spout, two spouts, or the like,which collect and channel espresso into the spouts. After the coffeegrounds are put in the portafilter, the coffee grounds may be tampedinto a “puck” within the portafilter. Ideally, after being tamped, thepuck of coffee grounds has uniform density and uniform depth in theportafilter.

The portafilter containing tamped coffee grounds in a puck may beinserted, screwed, clamped, or otherwise coupled with a grouphead (or“group head”) of an espresso machine, often with a gasket interfacebetween the portafilter and the grouphead. The espresso machine thenforces hot water, under pressure, through the portafilter and the puckof coffee grounds. The hot water may be pressurized by, for example, amanual pump, a pressure-based pump, an electronic pump, gravity, or thelike,

If the coffee grounds do not have uniform density and uniform depth inthe portafilter, or if there is a non-uniform distribution of finelyground and coarsely ground coffee beans, then the pressurized water maynot flow uniformly through the puck, but may form channels through thepuck, through which the water passes with less resistance. A puck whichforms channels will not result in maximum extraction of dissolved andsuspended solids or other compounds from the coffee grounds, becausesome of the ground coffee contacts less or even no hot water, comparedto ground coffee along the channels, which contact more hot water. Whenhot water travels in channels through the puck, coffee grounds along thechannel may be over-extracted, contributing bitter and other undesirableflavors to the espresso. A puck with non-uniform density and ornon-uniform depth, or which otherwise forms channels, may result in“squirting” of espresso through the puck and out of the perforatedbottom. As a result, baristas place significant focus on tamping, so asto avoid a tamp which is not level, which leaves clumps, or whichotherwise results in channeling of pressurized water through the puck.

Portafilters with spouts are not necessary; a barista may preferbottomless portafilters, e.g. portafilters with no spouts, so that thebarista can see whether channels have formed in the puck.

Espresso is understood to comprise components in three states. A firststate comprises an emulsion of oil droplets in water. A second statecomprises dissolved and suspended solids in water. A third statecomprises gas bubbles or foam and water. “Crema” found on a top of anespresso shot may comprise the emulsion of oil droplets from the firststate, which may be relatively low density and float on water, and thegas bubbles or foam from the third state. Small oil droplets may beexperienced in a human mouth as “creamy”.

When well prepared, espresso is understood to have a higherconcentration of dissolved and suspended compounds, to have more intenseflavors, and to have a viscosity similar to warm honey when compared tocoffee prepared through other techniques (e.g. compared to “dripcoffee”). If espresso is not well prepared, such as due to the formationof channels through the portafilter, it may be watery, bitter, and itsfoam, if any, may lack oil droplets which produce the creamy mouth feelof crema.

Layered espresso may comprise layers of different coffee grounds whichare put into the portafilter. The layers may differ in roast, in beans,in grind, or in other characteristics. Each layer may be tamped, beforesubsequent layers are added. The layers may be chosen to contributedifferent flavors and compounds to a flavor profile of an espresso shot,such as an acidic flavor, a sweet flavor, a bitter flavor, a caffeinecontent, and the like.

Notwithstanding great care which may be put into preparation of a puckof coffee grounds in a portafilter, including a flat and uniform tamp,channeling or other undesirable processes may still occur. As notedherein, channeling or other undesirable processes may result in anespresso shot which is watery, bitter, which lacks crema, has foam whichdoes not feel creamy, or which is otherwise undesirable,

Needed is a method, apparatus, and system to compact a puck of groundcoffee, such that the puck produces an espresso shot with minimal or nochanneling and with desirable flavor and physical characteristics. Themethod, apparatus, and system should produce consistent and repeatableresults. The method, apparatus, and system should be useable whenpreparing layered espresso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a parallel projection oblique view of a first example of aground coffee compactor and portafilter, incorporated with teachings ofthe present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a parallel projection oblique view of an example of the groundcoffee compactor and portafilter of FIG. 1 with a tamper, incorporatedwith teachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a parallel projection side elevation view of an example of theground coffee compactor and portafilter of FIG. 1 , illustrating the lidelevated and parallel to a top of the portafilter, incorporated withteachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a parallel projection oblique view of an example of the groundcoffee compactor of FIG. 1 with a lid in an open position, incorporatedwith teachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a parallel projection oblique view of an example of a groundcoffee compactor with no lid and with a portafilter in a portafilterreceiver, incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a parallel projection from view of the ground coffee compactorof FIG. 1 with a midline cross section, incorporated with teachings ofthe present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a parallel projection oblique view of a portafilter receiverbase and a vibration generator, incorporated with teachings of thepresent disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a parallel projection oblique view of the portafilterreceiver base and a vibration generator of FIG. 7A with a spring,incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7C is a parallel projection oblique view of the portafilterreceiver base, vibration generator, and spring of FIG. 7B mounted in ahousing, incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7D is a parallel projection oblique view of the portafilterreceiver base, vibration generator, spring, and housing of FIG. 7C withportafilter receiver upper components, incorporated with teachings ofthe present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A is a parallel projection oblique view of a ground coffeecompactor and a first example of a vibration generator with a midlinecross section, incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a parallel projection oblique view of a ground coffeecompactor and a second example of a vibration generator with a midlinecross section, incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8C is a parallel projection oblique view of a ground coffeecompactor and a third example of a vibration generator, incorporatedwith teachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8D is a parallel projection oblique view of a ground coffeecompactor and a fourth example of a vibration generator, incorporatedwith teachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a first perspective oblique view of a second example of aground coffee compactor, tamper, and portafilter incorporated withteachings of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a second perspective oblique view of the example of theground coffee compactor, tamper, and portafilter of FIG. 9 ,incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11 is the second perspective oblique view of the example of theground coffee compactor, tamper, and portafilter of FIG. 9 ,incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure, with a first portion ofcomponents hidden to allow greater focus on remaining components andwith the tamper and portafilter in a first arrangement.

FIG. 12 is the second perspective oblique view of the example of theground coffee compactor of FIG. 9 , incorporated with teachings of thepresent disclosure, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure, with a second portion of components hidden to allow greaterfocus on remaining components.

FIG. 13 is the second perspective oblique view of the example of theground coffee compactor, tamper, and portafilter of FIG. 9 ,incorporated with teachings of the present disclosure, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure, with the first portion ofcomponents hidden to allow greater focus on remaining components andwith the tamper and portafilter in a second arrangement.

FIG. 14 is a third perspective oblique view of the example of the groundcoffee compactor of FIG. 9 , incorporated with teachings of the presentdisclosure, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, witha third portion of components hidden to allow greater focus on remainingcomponents.

FIG. 15 is a top parallel projection view of an example of a vibratorysurface of a ground coffee compactor, incorporated with teachings of thepresent disclosure, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In addition to other locations, defined terms may be found at the end ofthis Detailed Description.

In overview, this disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, andmethods for a compactor of coffee grounds, hereinafter, “coffee groundscompactor”. In overview, the disclosed coffee grounds compactorcomprises a vibration generator and a portafilter receiver. Thevibration generator is to produce a vibratory force in the portafilterreceiver. The portafilter receiver is to transmit the vibratory forceinto a portafilter, such as when the portafilter contains coffeegrounds. The portafilter receiver may secure the portafilter within, on,or in contact with the portafilter receiver.

The vibratory force is to at least one of compact the coffee grounds inthe portafilter, distribute the coffee grounds in the portafilter,arrange the coffee grounds in the portafilter, compress the coffeegrounds in the portafilter, sort the coffee grounds by physical size inthe portafilter, sort the coffee grounds by relative density in theportafilter, and or remove air from between the coffee grounds in theportafilter; the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as to“compact” the coffee grounds in the portafilter.

The portafilter receiver may comprise, for example, a surface on which aportafilter may be placed or secured, wherein the surface transmits thevibratory force into the portafilter. The portafilter receiver maycomprise, for example, a semi-enclosed structure in which a portafiltermay be held or secured. The portafilter receiver may comprise aportafilter shim, wherein the portafilter shim is sized to secureportafilters with a range of sizes within the portafilter receiver. Theportafilter receiver may comprise a lid; the lid may secure theportafilter within the portafilter receiver. The portafilter receiverand lid may be secured by, for example, one or more of a magnet, ahinge, a threaded connection, a spring clip, a buckle, a strap, and thelike. When the portafilter receiver and lid are secured by a hinge, thehinge may comprise a plurality of pivot points, such as a double actionhinge, a scissor action hinge, and the like. The plurality of pivotpoints may allow the lid to maintain a parallel orientation relative toa top of the portafilter receiver as the lid rises above the top of theportafilter receiver. The hinge may comprise a dosing-lever arm, whereinthe portafilter is to contact the closing-lever arm and is to cause thelid to dose on the portafilter receiver.

The lid may comprise a tamper opening, wherein the tamper opening may besized to receive a tamper and allow coffee grounds in the portafilter tobe tamped by the tamper as the coffee ground compactor transmits thevibratory force into the portafilter receiver and portafilter.

The vibratory force may comprise an oscillatory motion, e,g. one or moreof a back-and-forth motion, side-to-side motion, up-and-down motion,orbital motion, a motion about an axis of rotation, or a motion with awaveform. Coffee grounds may be compacted or distributed in differentmanners by different vibratory forces or oscillatory motions; e.g. anup-and-down oscillatory motion, a frequency of oscillatory motion, or anamplitude (or intensity) of oscillatory motion may cause fine coffeegrounds to settle to a bottom of a portafilter, which may not bedesirable. A user may wish to control the oscillatory motion, to achievea result which works for the user.

The vibration generator may comprise, for example, one or more rotarymotor or linear actuator. When the vibration generator comprises alinear actuator, the linear actuator may comprise, for example, asolenoid, a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumaticactuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, alinear electric motor, and an electro-mechanical linear actuator, or thelike, The linear actuator may produce the vibratory force at a driveangle relative to the portafilter receiver (“drive angle”); e.g.up-down, side-to-side, forward-and-back, and the like relative to theportafilter receiver. The linear actuator may be located, for example,below, above, or on a side of the portafilter receiver. The linearactuator may be directly secured to the portafilter receiver, such thatthe linear actuator directly produces oscillatory motion of theportafilter receiver. The linear actuator may be secured to theportafilter receiver and to an inertial mass, wherein oscillatory motionof the inertial mass by the linear actuator produces the vibratory forcein the linear actuator and in the portafilter receiver. An array oflinear actuators and or inertial masses may be arranged around orrelative to portafilter receiver. Each linear actuator in the array oflinear actuators may have a drive angle that is offset relative to thedrive angle of other of the linear actuators in the array, e.g. if thereare four linear actuators in the array, the drive angle of the fourlinear actuators may be offset from one another by 90 degrees. Anelectrical drive circuit may control activation of the array of linearactuators in a time phase relationship, such that the oscillatory motionhas both a translational components (e.g. back-and-forth andside-to-side), as well as a rotary or orbital component. An oscillatorymotion with multiple components may be described as a waveform.

When the vibration generator comprises a rotary motor, a driveshaft ofthe rotary motor may be coupled to an eccentric driveshaft bearing,wherein the eccentric driveshaft bearing may be coupled to theportafilter receiver; the eccentric driveshaft bearing may be coupled tothe portafilter receiver via a spring. In this manner, the rotary motormay cause the portafilter receiver to orbit about the driveshaft of therotary motor. The driveshaft may further or alternatively be coupled toan eccentric mass, wherein rotation of the eccentric mass may produce orcontribute to the vibratory force.

The disclosed coffee grounds compactor may further comprise a housing.The portafilter receiver may be secured to or in the housing; theportafilter receiver may be secured to or in the housing suspended on aspring. The spring may isolate the housing from the vibratory forcetransmitted into the portafilter receiver. Without the spring, thehousing may have a tendency to move on a surface, due to the vibratoryforce. A flexible gasket may span between the housing and theportafilter receiver, to reduce a tendency of material, such as coffeegrounds, to fall into the housing.

The housing may enclose electronics, such as an electrical circuit. Theelectrical circuit may control the vibration generator and may therebycontrol at least one of an amplitude of the vibratory force, a frequencyof the vibratory force, or a waveform of the vibratory force. Theelectrical circuit may comprise a user interface, to allow a user tocontrol the foregoing. The electrical circuit may further comprise apressure sensor, a lid sensor, a lid-activated switch, or the like, toactivate the vibration generator when pressure is sensed, such as when aportafilter is inserted into the portafilter receiver, when the lid isclosed on the portafilter, or the like.

In this manner, the disclosed coffee grounds compactor may distributeand tamp coffee grounds into a puck; the resulting puck may have adensity or distribution of coffee grounds which results in uniform flowof water through the puck, with minimal or no channeling, and withdesirable flavor and physical characteristics; the resulting puck may beconsistent, from one puck to the next. A user may use the disclosedcoffee grounds compactor to compact a first layer of first type ofcoffee grounds, may remove a tamper (if one was used), and may put asecond layer of a second type of coffee grounds into the disclosedcoffee grounds compactor to produce a two-layered puck, and may repeatthe process, to form a multi-layered puck

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a parallel projection obliqueview 100 of a first example of a ground coffee compactor 1101 andportafilter 1121. Portafilter 1121 is an example of a portafilter. Inthe illustrated embodiment, ground coffee compactor 1101 comprisesportafilter receiver 1130, which may receive and secure portafilter 1121in portafilter receiver 1130. Other varieties and sizes of portafiltersmay be used, with appropriate modifications to portafilter receiver 1130and or a portafilter shim (discussed further herein).

In the illustrated embodiment, ground coffee compactor 1101 comprisesactivation switch 1610 and control dial 1615. Activation button 1610 andcontrol dial 1615 are examples of components of a user interface, whichmay receive user input and may be coupled to or be part of controlcircuit 1316, discussed further herein, to control ground coffeecompactor 1101. Control dial 1615 may be used to control one or more ofan amplitude or power level, a frequency, drive angle, and or waveformof a vibration generator 1305, discussed further herein. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , control dial 1615 may control anamplitude of vibration generator 1305. Activation button 1610 may beused to turn vibration generator 1305 on and or off, such as at a powerlevel, frequency, or the like controlled by control dial 1615.Alternative or in addition to activation button 1610, ground coffeecompactor 1101 may comprise a pressure sensor or portafilter sensor inor coupled to portafilter receiver 1101 and control circuit 1216 to turnvibration generator 1305 on and or off in response to presence of aportafilter in portafilter receiver 1101, in response to pressure fromportafilter 1121 in portafilter receiver 1101, and the like.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , ground coffee compactor 1101further comprises lid 1150. In this embodiment, lid 1150 may be attachedto portafilter receiver 1130 by hinge 1160, discussed further herein. Inaddition to or in place of hinge 1160, lid 1150 may releasably besecured to portafilter receiver 1130 with a releasable fastener. In theembodiments illustrated herein, the releasable fastener comprises a setof one or more magnets in lid 1150 which may be attracted to a ferriteor magnet(s) in portafilter receiver 1130. Other means for a releasablefastener include a spring-loaded mechanism, a strap, a buckle, athreaded connection, and the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.1 , lid 1150 comprises tamper opening 1155, Tamper opening 1155 may besized to receive a tamper, such as tamper 1120 discussed herein, and toguide the tamper into portafilter 1121, so that coffee grounds inportafilter 1121 may be tamped by tamper 1120 as coffee ground compactor1101 transmits vibratory force into portafilter receiver 1130 andportafilter 1121.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , ground coffee compactor 1101further comprises housing 1140. Housing 1140 may be secured toportafilter receiver 1101 and may house or contain electronics and othercomponents discussed herein.

Housing 1140 and portafilter receiver 1130 may be made from wood, metal,composites, plastics, fibers, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a parallel projection oblique view 1200 of ground coffeecompactor 1101 and portafilter of FIG. 1 with tamper 1120 in portafilterreceiver 1130. In addition to other labeled elements discussed herein,FIG. 2 illustrates that, as discussed herein, a tamper, such as tamper1120, may be inserted into tamper opening 1155, to tamp coffee groundsin portafilter 1121. Tamper 1120 may be inserted into tamper opening1155 prior to or after activating vibration generator 1305, depending ona user's preferences.

FIG. 3 is a parallel projection side elevation view 1300 of the exampleof the ground coffee compactor and portafilter of FIG. 1 , illustratinglid 1150 elevated on hinge 1160 and parallel to a top of portafilter1121. Hinge 1160 may be a double action hinge, comprising, for example,first pivot point 1162 (within portafilter receiver 1130, generally at alocation identified at first pivot point 1162), second pivot point 1166,and pivot arm 1164. As lid 1150 and pivot arm 1164 pivot around firstpivot point, second pivot point 1166 may allow lid 1150 to rotate tomaintain or obtain an orientation parallel to the top of portafilter1121 and or portafilter receiver 1130. This may allow lid 1150 to seatapproximately on top of portafilter 1121 when, for example, portafilter1121 extends above a top of portafilter receiver 1130.

FIG. 4 is a parallel projection oblique view 1400 of an example ofground coffee compactor 1101 of FIG. 1 with lid 1150 in an openposition. In view 1400, in addition to other elements, e.g. a locationof first pivot point 1162 indicated by dotted line, closing lever-arm1168 is visible in the embodiment illustrated in view 1400. Closinglever-arm 1168 may engage with a portafilter, such as with portafilter1121, to cause lid 1150 to close on the portafilter when the portafilteris inserted within portafilter receiver 1130. Removal of the portafilterfrom portafilter receiver 1130 may allow lid 1150 to raise. Hinge 1160may be spring-loaded, such that hinge 1160 is biased to open or closewhen the portafilter is inserted in or removed from portafilter receiver1130.

View 1400 further illustrates an example of a location of first pivotpoint 1162 within portafilter receiver 1130, indicated by dotted line.FIG. 4 further illustrates an example of portafilter shim 1620;portafilter shim 1620 may be one of a plurality of portafilter shimssized to secure at least one of a range of portafilter sizes andportafilter options within portafilter receiver 1130. For example,different portafilters may have different outside diameters, may havedifferent hardware to engage with a group head of an espresso machine,e.g. portafilter locking tab 1630, may have spouts, or the like.Portafilter shim 1620 may allow a range of such portafilter sizes andportafilter options to engage with and be held or secured withinportafilter receiver 1130.

View 1400 further illustrates an example of releasable fastener 1170; inthe example illustrated in view 1400, releasable fastener 1170 maycomprise magnets in lid 1150. Such magnets may be attracted to magnetsor a ferrite in portafilter receiver 1130 and may serve as thereleasable fastener, securing lid 1150 to portafilter receiver 1130, asdiscussed herein.

FIG. 5 is a parallel projection oblique view 1500 of an example ofground coffee compactor 1101 with no lid and with portafilter 1121 inportafilter receiver 1130. View 1500 illustrates portafilter locking tab1630, which may be used to engage with and secure portafilter 1121 in agroup head of an espresso machine, resting on top of portafilter shim1620.

FIG. 6 is a parallel projection front view 1600 of ground coffeecompactor 1101 of FIG. 1 with a midline cross section to show interiorcomponents. View 1600 illustrates an example of vibration generator1305.

A vibration generator in ground coffee compactor 1101, such as vibrationgenerator 1305, is to generate a vibratory force. The vibratory forcemay be transmitted into a portafilter, e.g. portafilter 1121, such asvia or through portafilter receiver 1130. The vibratory force is to atleast one of distribute coffee grounds in the portafilter, to arrangecoffee grounds in the portafilter, to compress coffee grounds in theportafilter, to sort coffee grounds by physical size in the portafilter,to sort coffee grounds by relative density in the portafilter, or toremove air from between coffee grounds in the portafilter. In theexample illustrated in view 1600, vibration generator 1305 comprises alinear actuator. In the example illustrated in view 9100, a vibrationgenerator may comprise a rotary motor, e.g. an electric rotary motor.The vibration generator, whether using a linear actuator or rotarymotor, may comprise an inertial mass, wherein the inertial mass isprovided to produce or tune the vibratory force.

When using a linear actuator as the vibration generator, the linearactuator may comprise at least one of a solenoid, a mechanical actuator,a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, anelectro-mechanical actuator, a linear electric motor, and anelectro-mechanical linear actuator. The linear actuator may produce thevibratory force along a drive angle, wherein the drive angle may bediscussed relative to the portafilter receiver or portafilter.

In view 1600, vibration generator 1305 may comprise a piezoelectricactuator or a solenoid. In view 1600, the drive angle of vibrationgenerator 1305 may be up-and down relative to view 1600. In embodiments,vibration generator 1305 may have a horizontal drive angle (e.g.“back-and-forth” or “side-to-side”) or may be able to produce avibratory force with a waveform.

As discussed herein, such as in relation to FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D, aplurality of linear actuators may be used together to produce thevibratory force, including a vibratory force with a waveform. When aplurality of linear actuators are used, at least one (typically each) ofthe plurality of linear actuators may produce the vibratory force at adrive angle relative to the portafilter receiver or relative to theother linear actuators that is offset relative to a drive angle ofanother of the plurality of linear actuators. A frequency of therespective linear actuators may then be engaged in a time phase (or“phase”) relationship to produce a net vibratory force. The netvibratory force may comprise a plurality of components from each of thelinear actuators, wherein the net vibratory force may be referred to asa waveform, wherein the waveform may comprise a standing wave and or atraveling wave,

View 1600 further illustrates an example of control circuit 1316, whichmay be coupled to control dial 1615 and or activation button 1610, suchas via potentiometer 1317. Control circuit 1316 may receive electricalpower from, for example, a power cord, a battery, or the like. Controlcircuit 1316 may distribute the electrical power to, for example, thevibration generator. By controlling the vibration generator, controlcircuit 1316 may control an amplitude of vibratory force, a frequency ofthe vibratory force, or a waveform of the vibratory force produced bythe vibration generator. Control circuit 1316 may further be coupled tosensors or switches (which may be referred to herein as “sensors”),wherein the sensors may provide feedback to control circuit 1316,wherein the feedback may be used to control the vibratory force or otheraspects of ground coffee compactor 1101. Examples of sensors comprisepressure sensors, e.g. to detect pressure of a portafilter on or in aportafilter receiver, position sensors, e.g. to detect a lid position,encoders on or associated with the vibration generator to detectposition, frequency, phase, operation and the like.

FIGS. 7A through 7D are meant to be viewed together.

FIG. 7A is a parallel projection oblique view 1700 of portafilterreceiver base 1701 and vibration generator 1705 with a midline crosssection. FIG. 7B is a parallel projection oblique view 1750 ofportafilter receiver base 1701 and vibration generator 1705 of FIG. 7Awith spring 1710 (labeled in two locations) and with a midline crosssection. FIG. 7C is a parallel projection oblique view 1755 ofportafilter receiver base 1701, vibration generator 1705, and spring1710 of FIG. 7B mounted in housing 1715. FIG. 7D is a parallelprojection oblique view 1760 of portafilter receiver base 1701,vibration generator 1705, spring 1710, and housing 1715 of FIG. 7C withportafilter receiver upper 1725 and flexible boot 1720.

Together FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate that components of a portafilterreceiver, e.g. portafilter receiver base 1701 and portafilter receiverupper 1725 may “float” separately from a housing, e.g. on a spring, alsodescribed herein as “isolation”, wherein isolation refers to anisolation of two or more components, wherein the isolation allows atleast one of the isolated components to vibrate, without or with reducedtransmission of vibration into another of the isolated components. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the floating or isolatedcomponents further comprise vibration generator 1705, though, asdiscussed herein, a vibration generator may be secured to the housing,without isolation. Isolation of components may, for example, reduce atendency of the housing to move or “walk” on a surface to the vibratoryforce experienced by the portafilter receiver.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, spring 1710 providesisolation primarily in the “up-and-down” direction, e.g. when vibrationgenerator 1705 has a drive angle on the y-direction; in embodiments adifferent spring may be used to provide isolation with respect to otherdrive angle directions.

View 1760 further illustrates flexible boot 1720, which may be providedto cover a gap between components of the portafilter receiver and thehousing, and reduce a likelihood of coffee grounds or other debris fromentering the housing.

FIG. 8A is a parallel projection oblique view 1800 with a midline crosssection of a ground coffee compactor and a first example of a vibrationgenerator. In the example illustrated in view 1800, the vibrationgenerator comprises motor 1805, which may be a rotary electric motor.Motor 1805 may be secured to driveshaft 1810; driveshaft 1810 may besecured within eccentric driveshaft bearing 1820; eccentric driveshaftbearing 1820 may be secured to rotary bearing 1815. When motor 1805causes driveshaft 1810 to rotate, eccentric driveshaft bearing 1820rotates within rotary bearing 1815, and causes portafilter receiver 1825to oscillate due to an eccentricity in eccentric driveshaft bearing. Aspring, not illustrated, and or an eccentric mass, may further beincorporated into the vibration generator; a stay, not illustrated, maybe included, to reduce a tendency of portafilter receiver 1825 torotate, due to friction in rotary bearing 1815.

FIG. 8B is a parallel projection oblique view 1850 with a midline crosssection of a ground coffee compactor and a second example of a vibrationgenerator. In the example illustrated in view 1850, the vibrationgenerator comprises an array of linear actuators, e.g linear actuator1841, linear actuator 1842, linear actuator 1843, and, for example, afourth linear actuator (no shown due to the midline cross section). Eachlinear actuator may comprise or be secured to a mass. The array oflinear actuators may be secured to portafilter receiver 1839, such asvia shaft 1845. The linear actuators may have a drive angle that isoffset relative to other of the linear actuators. The array of linearactuators may be activated by a control circuit, e.g. by control circuit1316, in a phase relationship.

FIG. 8C is a parallel projection oblique view 1855 with a midline crosssection of a ground coffee compactor and a third example of a vibrationgenerator. In the example illustrated in view 1855, vibration generatormay comprise an array of linear actuator, e.g. linear actuator orcylinder 1852, or may comprise a rotary motor coupled to inertial massesin a plurality of cylinders, e.g. linear actuator or cylinder 1852.Activation of the array of linear actuators in a phase relationship oractivation of the rotary motor may result in a vibratory force that istransmitted into portafilter receiver 1851, wherein the vibratory forcemay comprise a waveform.

FIG. 8D is a parallel projection oblique view 1855 of a ground coffeecompactor and a fourth example of a vibration generator. In the exampleillustrated in view 1855, an array of linear actuators, e.g. linearactuator 1865 and linear actuator 1870 (additional linear actuators maybe on a far side of portafilter receiver 1860 and or on a bottom ofportafilter receiver 1860), may be secured to a housing (notillustrated). The array of linear actuators may be activated in phase,to oscillate portafilter receiver 1860 and produce a vibratory forcetherein.

In the examples illustrated in FIG. 8A-80 , the vibratory force producedby the rotary motor (e.g. motor 1805) or by the array of linearactuators may produce the vibratory force with a waveform. The waveformmay be adjustable.

FIG. 9 is a perspective oblique view 9100 of a second example of groundcoffee compactor 9101, tamper 9120, and portafilter 9121.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of body 9140 of ground coffee compactor9101. Body 9140 may hold other components of ground coffee compactor9101 and or may hold portafilter 9121, as discussed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of portafilter handle 9110 and portafiltervessel 9125 of portafilter 9121. Portafilter handle 9110 may be used tohold portafilter 9121. Portafilter vessel 9125 may receive or holdcoffee grounds. Portafilter handle 9110 and portafilter vessel 9125 mayhave a different geometric relationship, such as with portafilter handlepointing up, down, to the side, or the like and or portafilter handle9110 may having a different cross section, such as oblong, square,round, continuous, discontinuous, or the like, Portafilter 9121, such asvia portafilter vessel 9125 and or structures thereon (no illustrated),may be secured to a group head of an espresso machine or the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of portafilter arm cradle 9105A andportafilter arm cradle 9105B. Portafilter arm cradle 9105 may be used tohold portafilter 9121 in an arrangement with ground coffee compactor9101, as discussed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of portafilter arm cradle adjustmenthardware 9106A and portafilter arm cradle adjustment hardware 9106B.Portafilter arm cradle adjustment hardware 9106 may be used to change anorientation of portafilter arm cradle 9105A and portafilter arm cradle9105B within or relative to body 9140, such as to adjust an arrangementof portafilter 9121 with ground coffee compactor 9101, such as toaccommodate portafilters with portafilter handles and portafiltervessels which have geometric relationships other than as illustrated inthese examples.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of portafilter vessel receiver 9130.Portafilter vessel receiver 9130 may receive portafilter 9121 and holdportafilter 9121 on or in an arrangement with ground coffee compactor9101. Portafilter vessel receiver 9130 may comprise a vibratoryactivation switch, as discussed herein. Pressure on portafilter vesselreceiver 9130 from portafilter 9121 may raise and lower tamper 9120. Inembodiments, portafilter vessel receiver 9130 and or ground coffeecompactor 9101 may comprise a funnel or similar structure, to funnel orfacilitate movement of ground coffee into portafilter 9121.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of power supply 9135. Power supply 9135may be electrical power, such as alternating current or direct currentfrom a power utility, battery, or the like, or may be a fuel supply, orthe like. Power or energy from power supply 9135 may be used by a motor,by logical components, or by other components discussed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of tamper 9120.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of tamper arm 9115. Tamper arm 9115 mayhold tamper 9120 in an arrangement with portafilter 9121. Due to tamperarm 9115, the arrangement between tamper and portafilter 9121 may bevariable, such as above portafilter 9121, such as within a top margin ofportafilter 9121, such as within portafilter 9121. Tamper arm 9115 mayallow tamper 9120 to raise and lower with respect to its arrangementwith portafilter 9121. Tamper arm 9115 may be manually actuated, such asby a barista pushing down on tamper arm 9115, and or may be actuated bypressure of portafilter 9121 on portafilter vessel receiver 9130, Tamperarm 9115 may be spring loaded, to return to a position, such as aposition with tamper 9130 above portafilter 9121 or within portafilter9121.

FIG. 10 is a perspective oblique view 9200 of the example of groundcoffee compactor 9101, tamper 9120, and portafilter 9121 of FIG. 9 .Perspective oblique view 9200 provides a clearer view of vibratorysurface 9201 and of portafilter 9121 in contact with vibratory surface9201.

FIG. 11 is a perspective oblique view 9300 of the example of groundcoffee compactor 9101, tamper 9120, and portafilter 9121 of FIG. 9 ,with a first portion of components hidden to allow greater focus onremaining components and with tamper 9120 and portafilter 9121 in afirst arrangement. Visible in perspective oblique view 9300 of FIG. 11is an interface or landing plate between portafilter handle 9110 andportafilter vessel 9125 contacting vibratory surface 9201, withindotted-line circle 9320. Contact of such interface or landing plate withvibratory surface 9201 may facilitate a user in arranging portafilter9121 with ground coffee compactor 9101, including an arrangement whichmay produce distribution or compaction of coffee grounds withinportafilter vessel 9125 which a user find desirable.

Motor 9305 may drive vibratory surface 9201 and or may drive a vacuumapparatus, such as a fan. Collection chamber 9310 may collect groundcoffee, as may be collected or vacuumed up by vacuum apparatus. Thevacuum apparatus may draw air in from around a perimeter of vibratorysurface 9201 and force it into or through collection chamber 9310.Collection chamber 9310 may comprise an exit for air drawn intocollection chamber 9310; such exit may comprise a filter, to prevent orimpede exit of ground coffee from collection chamber 9310. Controlcircuit 9316 may comprise one or more electrical components, computerprocessor, computer memory, and modules thereof. Control circuit 9316may be located in one or more areas of ground coffee compactor 9101.Motor 9305 may drive vibratory surface 9201 via direct drive or via oneor more gear mechanisms (“drive train”). The drive train may produceoscillation and or vibration of vibratory surface 9201. Control circuit9316 may be coupled to motor 9305, vibratory activation switch 9405, andor power supply 9135.

FIG. 12 is a perspective oblique view 9400 of the example of groundcoffee compactor 9101 of FIG. 9 , with a second portion of componentshidden to allow greater focus on remaining components. Illustrated isvibratory activation switch 9405. Vibratory activation switch 9405 maybe coupled to motor 9305 and power supply 9135, such as via controlcircuit 9316, and may cause activation of motor 9305 and vibration ofvibratory surface 9201. Pressure on vibratory activation switch 9405from, for example, portafilter 9121, may cause control circuit 9316 toactivate motor 9305. Vibratory activation switch 9405 and or controlcircuit 9316 may be sensitive to variable pressure from portafilter9121, to change a power level, type of vibration, waveform of vibratoryforce, or the like.

In the illustrated examples, portafilter 9121 does not comprise a spout,e,g. is a bottomless portafilter. In embodiments, portafilter 9121 maycomprise one or more spouts. In embodiments, vibratory surface 9201 maycomprise a notch, cut-out, stand-off, or the like, to accommodatespout(s) on a portafilter. In embodiments, vibratory surface 9201 maycomprise a surface which is not flat.

FIG. 13 is a perspective oblique view 9500 of the example of groundcoffee compactor 9101, tamper 9120, and portafilter of FIG. 9 , with thefirst portion of components hidden to allow greater focus on remainingcomponents and with tamper 9120 and portafilter 9121 in a secondarrangement. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13 , portafilter 9121,such as via portafilter handle 9110, has been pushed into portafiltervessel receiver 9130, as indicated by arrow 9505. This pressure mayactivate control circuit 9316 and cause motor 9305 to vibrate vibratorysurface 9201. This pressure may further cause tamper arm 9115 to lower,such as into portafilter vessel 9125, such as via tamper arm 9115, asindicated by arrow 9510.

FIG. 14 is a perspective oblique view 9600 of the example of the groundcoffee compactor 9101 of FIG. 9 , with a third portion of componentshidden to allow greater focus on remaining components. Activation switch9610 and power dial 9615 may be coupled to or be part of control circuit9316. Power dial 9615 may be used to control a power level of motor9305. Activation switch 9610 may be used to turn motor 9305 on and oroff.

FIG. 15 is a top parallel projection view 9700 of an example ofvibratory surface 9201. of ground coffee compactor 9101. Driven by motor9305 and a drive train thereof, vibratory surface 9201 may undergo oneor more vibratory motions. One such motion may be rotations, such asrotation 9705. Rotation 9705 may be in either a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction and or may change direction of rotation.Another such motion may be rotation 9710. Rotation 9710 may be either aclockwise or counterclockwise direction and or may change direction ofrotation. Additional vibratory modes and motions may be used orachieved, such as up-and-down motion or vibration, back-and-forth motionor vibration, and the like.

Energy delivered by vibrations may peak shortly after power is turned onto motor 9305, and may fall to a level, wherein the level may be set,for example, by power dial 9615 and or control circuit 9316. Controlcircuit 9316 and or activation switch 9610 may cause motor 9305 to cycleon-and-off, to stay on, to follow different vibratory patterns, torespond to variable pressure of portafilter 9121 on vibratory activationswitch 9405, and the like.

A computer within control circuit may include a chipset. Chipset mayinclude processor, input/output (I/O) port(s) and peripheral devices,such as output and input, and network interface, and computer devicememory, all interconnected via bus. Network interface may be utilized toform connections with network, with a datastore, or to formdevice-to-device connections with other computers.

Chipset may include communication components and/or paths, e.g., buses,that couple processor to peripheral devices, such as, for example,output and input, which may be connected via I/O ports. Processor mayinclude one or more execution cores (CPUs). For example, chipset mayalso include a peripheral controller hub (PCH) (not shown). In anotherexample, chipset may also include a sensors hub (not shown). Input andoutput may include, for example, user interface device(s) including adisplay, a touch-screen display, printer, keypad, keyboard, etc,sensor(s) including accelerometer, global positioning system (GPS),gyroscope, etc., communication logic, wired and/or wireless, storagedevice(s) including hard disk drives, solid-state drives, removablestorage media, etc. I/O ports for input and output 240 may be configuredto transmit and/or receive commands and/or data according to one or morecommunications protocols. For example, one or more of the I/O ports maycomply and/or be compatible with a universal serial bus (USB) protocol,peripheral component interconnect (PCI) protocol (e.g., PCI express(PCIe)), or the like.

Computer device memory may generally comprise a random access memory(“RAM”), a read only memory (“ROM”), and a permanent mass storagedevice, such as a disk drive or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random-accessmemory). Computer device memory may store program code for modulesand/or software routines, such as, for example, one or more modules toimplement vibratory modes.

Computer device memory may also store operating system. These softwarecomponents may be loaded from a non-transient computer readable storagemedium into computer device memory using a drive mechanism associatedwith a non-transient computer readable storage medium, such as a floppydisc, tape, DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other like storage medium.In some embodiments, software components may also or instead be loadedvia a mechanism other than a drive mechanism and computer readablestorage medium (e.g., via network interface).

Computer device memory is also illustrated as comprising kernel, kernelspace, user space, user protected address space, and a datastore.

Computer device memory may store one or more process (i.e., executingsoftware application(s)). Process may be stored in user space. Processmay include one or more other process. One or more process may executegenerally in parallel, i.e., as a plurality of processes and/or aplurality of threads.

Computer device memory is further illustrated as storing operatingsystem and/or kernel. The operating system and/or kernel may be storedin kernel space. In some embodiments, operating system may includekernel. Operating system and/or kernel may attempt to protect kernelspace and prevent access by certain of process.

Kernel may be configured to provide an interface between user processesand circuitry associated with the computer. In other words, kernel maybe configured to manage access to processor, chipset, I/O ports andperipheral devices by process. Kernel may include one or more driversconfigured to manage and/or communicate with elements of the computer(i.e., processor, chipset, I/O ports and peripheral devices).

The computer may also comprise or communicate via bus and/or networkinterface with a datastore. In various embodiments, bus may comprise ahigh speed serial bus, and network interface may be coupled to a storagearea network (“SAN”), a high speed wired or wireless network, and/or viaother suitable communication technology. The computer may, in someembodiments, include many more components than as illustrated. However,it is not necessary that all components be shown in order to disclose anillustrative embodiment.

Embodiments of the operations described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable storage device having stored thereon instructions thatwhen executed by one or more processors perform the methods. Theprocessor may include, for example, a processing unit and/orprogrammable circuitry. The storage device may include a machinereadable storage device including any type of tangible, non-transitorystorage device, for example, any type of disk including floppy disks,optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), compact diskrewritables (CD-RWs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor devicessuch as read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such asdynamic and static RAMs, erasable programmable read-only memories(EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories(EEPROMs), flash memories, magnetic or optical cards, or any type ofstorage devices suitable for storing electronic instructions. USB(Universal serial bus) may comply or be compatible with Universal SerialBus Specification, Revision 2.0, published by the Universal Serial Busorganization, Apr. 27, 2000, and/or later versions of thisspecification, for example, Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision3.1, published Jul. 26, 2013. PCIe may comply or be compatible with PCIExpress 3.0 Base specification, Revision 3.0, published by PeripheralComponent Interconnect Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG), November 2010,and/or later and/or related versions of this specification.

As used in any embodiment herein, the term “logic” may refer to thelogic of the instructions of an app, software, and/or firmware, and/orthe logic embodied into a programmable circuitry by a configuration bitstream, to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software may beembodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction setsand/or data recorded on non-transitory computer readable storage medium.Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instruction setsand/or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.

“Circuitry”, as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, forexample, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmablecircuitry such as FPGA. The logic may, collectively or individually, beembodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example,an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers,tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc.

In some embodiments, a hardware description language (HDL) may be usedto specify circuit and/or logic implementation(s) for the various logicand/or circuitry described herein. For example, in one embodiment thehardware description language may comply or be compatible with a veryhigh speed integrated circuits (VHSIC) hardware description language(VHDL) that may enable semiconductor fabrication of one or more circuitsand/or logic described herein. The VHDL may comply or be compatible withIEEE Standard 1076-1987, IEEE Standard 1076.2, IEEE1076.1, IEEE Draft3.0 of VHDL-2006, IEEE Draft 4.0 of VHDL-2008 and/or other versions ofthe IEEE VHDL standards and/or other hardware description standards.

As used herein, the term “module” (or “logic”) may refer to, be part of,or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Systemon a Chip (SoC), an electronic circuit, a programmed programmablecircuit (such as, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)), a processor(shared, dedicated, or group) and/or memory (shared, dedicated, orgroup) or in another computer hardware component or device that executeone or more software or firmware programs having executable machineinstructions (generated from an assembler and/or a compiler) or acombination, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitablecomponents with logic that provide the described functionality. Modulesmay be distinct and independent components integrated by sharing orpassing data, or the modules may be subcomponents of a single module, orbe split among several modules. The components may be processes runningon, or implemented on, a single compute node or distributed among aplurality of compute nodes running in parallel, concurrently,sequentially or a combination, as described more fully in conjunctionwith the flow diagrams in the figures.

As used herein, a process corresponds to an instance of a program, e.g.,an application program, executing on a processor and a threadcorresponds to a portion of the process. A processor may include one ormore execution core(s). The processor may be configured as one or moresocket(s) that may each include one or more execution core(s).

As used herein “releasable”, “connect”, “connected”, “connectable”,“disconnect”, “disconnected,” and “disconnectable” refers to two or morestructures which may be connected or disconnected, generally without theuse of tools (examples of tools including screwdrivers, pliers, drills,saws, welding machines, torches, irons, and other heat sources) or withthe use of tools but in a repeatable manner (such as through the use ofnuts and bolts or screws). As used herein, “attach,” “attached,” or“attachable” refers to two or more structures or components which areattached through the use of tools or chemical or physical bonding, butwherein the structures or components may not generally be released orre-attached in a repeatable manner. As used herein, “secure,” “secured,”or “securable” refers to two or more structures or components which areconnected or attached.

The ground coffee compactor discussed herein may thereby be used tocompact, e.g. to distribute and tamp coffee grounds in a portafilter,wherein a resulting puck of coffee grounds has an even level, a uniformand or continuous density distribution, results in no or reducedformation of channels, no or reduced squirting of espresso through thepuck, and results in consistent and repeatable results. The groundcoffee compactor may be used to form multiple layers in a puck, witheach layer formed by distributing and tamping with ground coffeecompactor, before a next layer is added, distributed, and tamped withthe ground coffee compactor. In this way, the ground coffee compactormay produce more satisfactory espresso and may be used in thepreparation of layered espresso.

Following are non-limiting examples:

Example 1. An apparatus to compact a coffee grounds in a portafilter,wherein the apparatus comprises a vibration generator and a portafilterreceiver, wherein the portafilter receiver is to secure the portafilterto the vibration generator, wherein the portafilter is to contain thecoffee grounds, the vibration generator is to produce a vibratory forcein the portafilter receiver, portafilter receiver is to transmit thevibratory force into the portafilter, and the vibratory force is tocompact the coffee grounds in the portafilter.

Example 2. The apparatus according to example 1 or another claim orexample herein, wherein to compact the coffee grounds in the portafiltercomprises at least one of to distribute the coffee grounds in theportafilter, to arrange the coffee grounds in the portafilter, tocompress the coffee grounds in the portafilter, to sort the coffeegrounds by physical size in the portafilter, to sort the coffee groundsby relative density in the portafilter, or to remove air from betweenthe coffee grounds.

Example 3. The apparatus according to example 1 or another claim orexample herein, further comprising a housing, wherein the portafilterreceiver is secured to or in the housing.

Example 4. The apparatus according to example 3 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the portafilter receiver is secured to or in thehousing suspended on a spring.

Example 5. The apparatus according to example 4 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the spring is to isolate the housing from thevibratory force.

Example 6. The apparatus according to example 4 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the spring is to reduce a tendency of thehousing to move on a surface due to the vibratory force.

Example 7. The apparatus according to example 3, wherein the vibrationgenerator is to be secured to at least one of the housing or theportafilter receiver.

Example 8. The apparatus according to example 7 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the vibration generator comprises at least oneof a rotary motor or a linear actuator.

Example 9. The apparatus according to example 8 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the linear actuator comprises at least one of asolenoid, a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumaticactuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, alinear electric motor, and an electro-mechanical linear actuator.

Example 10. The apparatus according to example 8 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the linear actuator is secured to theportafilter receiver.

Example 11. The apparatus according to example 10 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the linear actuator comprises a plurality oflinear actuators.

Example 12. The apparatus according to example 11 or another claim orexample herein, wherein each of the plurality of linear actuators is toproduce the vibratory force at a drive angle relative to the portafilterreceiver (“drive angle”).

Example 13. The apparatus according to example 12 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the drive angle of at least one of the pluralityof linear actuators is offset relative to a drive angle of another ofthe plurality of linear actuators.

Example 14. The apparatus according to example 13 or another claim orexample herein, wherein a drive circuit is to control the drive angle ofthe plurality of linear actuators in a time phase relationship.

Example 15. The apparatus according to example 8 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the linear actuator or the rotary motor iscoupled to an inertial mass, wherein translation or rotation of theinertial mass by the linear actuator or by the rotary motor produces thevibratory force.

Example 16. The apparatus according to example 8, wherein the vibrationgenerator comprises a driveshaft of the rotary motor coupled to at leastone of an eccentric mass, an eccentric driveshaft bearing, or theportafilter receiver.

Example 17. The apparatus according to example 3, further comprising aflexible gasket between the housing and the portafilter receiver.

Example 18. The apparatus according to example 3, wherein theportafilter receiver comprises a lid, wherein the lid is to secure theportafilter within the portafilter receiver.

Example 19. The apparatus according to example 18, wherein a releasablefastener is to releasably secure the lid in a closed position on theportafilter receiver, wherein the closed position is to secure theportafilter within the portafilter receiver.

Example 20. The apparatus according to example 19, wherein thereleasable fastener comprises at least one of a magnet or a spring.

Example 21. The apparatus according to example 18, wherein the lid issecured to portafilter receiver with a double action hinge.

Example 22. The apparatus according to example 21, wherein the doubleaction hinge comprises a first pivot point on the housing, a pivot armsecured to the first pivot point, and a second pivot point on the pivotarm, wherein the first pivot point on the housing is to allow the pivotarm to rise above the portafilter receiver, wherein the lid is securedto the second pivot point on the pivot arm, and wherein the second pivotpoint is to allow the lid to maintain an orientation parallel to a topof the portafilter as the lid is to rise above the portafilter receiveron the pivot arm.

Example 23. The apparatus according to example 18, wherein the lid issecured to portafilter receiver with a hinge.

Example 24. The apparatus according to example 23, wherein the hinge isspring-loaded.

Example 25. The apparatus according to example 23, wherein the lidcomprises a closing lever-arm, wherein the portafilter is to contact theclosing-lever arm and is to cause the lid to close on the portafilterreceiver.

Example 26. The apparatus according to example 18, wherein the lidcomprises a tamper opening, wherein the tamper opening is to receive atamper.

Example 27. The apparatus according to example 1, wherein the furthercomprising a tamper arm, wherein the tamper arm is to control engagementof a tamper with the portafilter.

Example 28. The apparatus according to example 1, wherein theportafilter comprises a range of portafilter sizes, wherein theportafilter receiver comprises a portafilter shim, wherein theportafilter shim is sized to secure at least one of the range ofportafilter sizes within the portafilter receiver.

Example 29. The apparatus according to example 1, further comprising atamper, wherein the tamper is to fit within the portafilter in theportafilter receiver and is to assist the vibratory force to compact thecoffee grounds in the portafilter.

Example 30. The apparatus according to example 1, further comprising anelectrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit is to control thevibration generator to produce the vibratory force.

Example 31. The apparatus according to example 30, wherein theelectrical circuit is control at least one of an amplitude of thevibratory force, a frequency of the vibratory force, or a waveform ofthe vibratory force.

Example 32. The apparatus according to example 30, wherein theelectrical circuit comprises a user interface and wherein the userinterface is to allow a user to control at least one of an amplitude ofthe vibratory force, a frequency of the vibratory force, or a driveangle over time of the vibratory force.

Example 33. The apparatus according to example 30 or another claim orexample herein, wherein the electrical circuit is to control thevibration generator with feedback from at least one of a human input, apassage of time, a mass or pressure of the portafilter on theportafilter receiver or on a vibration activation switch, or a vibratorysensor.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to compact coffee grounds in aportafilter, wherein the apparatus comprises a vibration generator and aportafilter receiver, wherein the portafilter receiver is to secure theportafilter to the vibration generator, wherein the portafilter is tocontain the coffee grounds, the vibration generator is to produce avibratory force in the portafilter receiver, portafilter receiver is totransmit the vibratory force into the portafilter, and the vibratoryforce is to compact the coffee grounds in the portafilter, the apparatusfurther comprising a housing, wherein the portafilter receiver issecured to or in the housing, wherein the portafilter receiver comprisesa lid, wherein the lid is to secure the portafilter within theportafilter receiver, and wherein the lid is secured to portafilterreceiver with a double action hinge, wherein the double action hingecomprises a first pivot point on the housing, a pivot arm secured to thefirst pivot point, and a second pivot point on the pivot arm, whereinthe first pivot point on the housing is to allow the pivot arm to riseabove the portafilter receiver, wherein the lid is secured to the secondpivot point on the pivot arm, and wherein the second pivot point is toallow the lid to maintain an orientation parallel to a top of theportafilter as the lid is to rise above the portafilter receiver on thepivot arm.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrationgenerator is to be secured to at least one of the housing or theportafilter receiver.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thevibration generator comprises at least one of a rotary motor or a linearactuator.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the linearactuator is secured to the portafilter receiver.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the linear actuator or the rotary motor iscoupled to an inertial mass, wherein translation or rotation of theinertial mass by the linear actuator or by the rotary motor produces atleast a portion of the vibratory force.
 6. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the lid includes a releasable fastener is-to releasablysecure the lid in a closed position on the portafilter receiver, whereinthe closed position is to secure the portafilter within the portafilterreceiver and the releasable fastener includes one or more magnets. 7.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a closinglever-arm, wherein the portafilter is to contact the closing-lever armand is to cause the lid to close on the portafilter receiver.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portafilter receivercomprises a portafilter shim, wherein the portafilter shim is sized tosecure at least one of a range of portafilter sizes within theportafilter receiver.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit is tocontrol the vibration generator to produce the vibratory force.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit is tocontrol at least one of an amplitude of the vibratory force, a frequencyof the vibratory force, or a waveform of the vibratory force.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit comprisesa user interface and wherein the user interface is to allow a user tocontrol at least one of an amplitude of the vibratory force, a frequencyof the vibratory force, or a drive angle over time of the vibratoryforce.